Nottingham & Wrenn Co. v. American Coal Exporting Co.

(after stating the facts as above). If the agreement, the validity of which is now conceded, were to be construed in ignorance of the business to which it relates and the situation and necessities of the parties, one would say at once that the obligation expressed was to deliver coal actually produced from Monte Mines No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3. Indeed, the language is so plain that its normal meaning could hardly be made more clear. But words are creatures of their environment. They take color and sense from the transactions in which they are employed, and if truly understood are not always to…